Vestubular Paroxysmia

Vestibular Paroxysmia is a rare condition with significant overlap in symptoms and signs with other causes of dizziness, so is difficult to diagnose with certainty.

It is thought to be due to an overlying compression, by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, lateral to the midpoint of the acoustic nerve (8th cranial nerve). This compression irritates this nerve and is the inner ear equivalent of trigeminal (5th cranial nerve) or glossopharyngeal (9th cranial nerve) neuralgia.

The symptoms are of a progressing, very frequent short-lived vertigo or imbalance lasting seconds, usually less than 1 minute, which often is triggered by head movements. It can be associated with buzzing, hearing loss and feeling of pressure around the affected ear.

Physical signs are of horizontal jerk or rotary nystagmus beating to the affected side.

Diagnosis is made more certain if: –
i) the patient is able to record, using a phone “selfie” video technique, the nystagmus.
ii) the condition is unresponsive to vestibular sedation medication.
iii) responds to carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine.
iv) an overlying compression, by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, on MRI.

It can be seen there is significant overlap between the various possible presentation of other causes of dizziness such as BPPV, central positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine and vestibular neuronistis.

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ABOUT

The London vertigo and dizziness clinic is the private practice of Mr Paul Montgomery, Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon with a sub-specialty interest in vertigo, dizziness and balance problems. Mr Montgomery offers consultation and treatment in Central London, from King Edward VII’s Hospital and The Bupa Cromwell Hospital, Kensington.